IELTS Tips: How to Understand Writing Task 2 Question Prompts
Today we’ll learn about the different types of questions that are used in IELTS Writing Task 2 along with study tips and sample question prompts.
This article was first published on IELTS.IDP.com
The first step to a successful performance in IELTS Writing Task 2 is to understand the question that you have been given. Take a closer look at the different IELTS question types with advice and tips about how to respond to these questions.
When answering an IELTS Task 2 question, it is important to read the question carefully and to answer it relevantly. There are a number of different question types that appear for Task 2 in the Writing test, so it is very important to understand what the question means so that you fully address the task you are given.
Remember that the examiner will assess how thoroughly you address the task in the Task Response criterion, so it's vital that you respond to the question directly and clearly. We realize that you work hard when preparing for the IELTS test and you might memorize essays that match certain prompts.
If you try and answer a question with a formulaic response (a learned response that closely matches the question), your essay will not address the task appropriately and you will lose marks.
Rather than trying to match your answer to an essay-type category (eg advantages/disadvantages, causes/solutions), learn how to interpret what the question is asking, so you answer it relevantly.
Task 2 question types
In IELTS Writing Task 2, you are required to write an essay in response to the statement or premise given. In your essay, you may need to:
Provide general factual information related to the topic.
Give reasons for a problem.
Outline the causes of a problem.
Present solutions for a problem.
Justify your opinion (reasons for your opinion).
Evaluate evidence and ideas.
Assess how much you agree or disagree with an idea/the statement.
Decide if there are more advantages or disadvantages.
Explain why this situation has occurred.
